New York City was Anthony Bourdain’s home, his proving ground, and his eternal muse. In the third season of No Reservations (2007), he turned his lens inward, offering a deeply personal tour of the city that forged his culinary identity. This wasn’t a highlight reel of Manhattan’s finest dining rooms; it was an exploration of the gritty, unpretentious spots that fueled him during his years as a working chef and the hidden gems he frequented off the clock. Bourdain’s New York was defined by its incredible diversity and the late-night culture of the restaurant industry. He sought out the comfort of old-school Russian fare deep in Brooklyn, the essential cheap eats of a classic hot dog stand, and the hidden subterranean izakayas that offer refuge after a brutal dinner service. It was a love letter to the dive bars, the ethnic enclaves, and the pioneer gastropubs that make the city’s food scene so fiercely beloved. Here is a guide to the iconic, and sometimes vanished, spots that captured Bourdain’s true New York.
When Anthony Bourdain visited New York City on his show No Reservations, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is No Reservations, season 3, episode 8. It first aired on August 6, 2007.
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DISH – “Family-Style Russian Food”
WHAT IS IT?
They had braised rabbit in white sauce, Russian ravioli dumplings, borscht and vodka.
“This is an absolutely like bread, so old school, it’s a fundamental to the Russian soul. If anyone’s ever been there, they will love it.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Cafe Glechik
1655 Sheepshead Bay Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11235, United States
New York City, United States
NOTES – Anthony Bourdain New York
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
DISH – Hotdogs and Drink
WHAT IS IT?
They had the “Recession Special” which is two hotdogs with sauerkraut and a papaya drink.
“Man, when I start missing New York, this is what I miss.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Gray’s Papaya
2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, United States
New York City, United States
DISH – Beer
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain visited Siberia bar located in New York City and drank beer with Andrew Zimmern.
“You know where to drink, this is my local.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Siberia Bar
356 W 40th St New York, NY 10018
New York City, United States
NOTES
Unfortunately, this bar has since closed its doors.
DISH – “Japanese Food” – Anthony Bourdain New York
WHAT IS IT?
They had chicken yakitori, yam jelly, yellowtail collar and wasabi dumplings.
“I walked by this place a hundred times and never knew it was here.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Sake Bar Hagi
245 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States
New York City, United States
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DISH – Sake
WHAT IS IT?
They had sake.
“After I spend some time in Tokyo, I feel well equipped to bring the party to New York.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Sakagura
211 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, United States
New York City, United States
DISH – Capuzzelle – No Reservations New York
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain ate a capuzzelle, a Sicilian specialty made of roasted sheep’s head seasoned in garlic and rosemary.
“When I got off work, this is the table that I dreamed of. Talking shop with chefs, good friends and roasted sheep’s head.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Spotted Pig
314 West 11th Street
New York City, United States
NOTES – Anthony Bourdain New York
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW YORK CITY : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON A COOK’S TOUR
This hometown episode of No Reservations offered a rare, intimate look at the New York that Bourdain actually lived in. By highlighting places like the divey Siberia bar and the pioneering Spotted Pig, he gave viewers a glimpse into the camaraderie and late-night habits of the city’s restaurant industry. The episode also underscored his belief that the soul of New York lies in its diverse neighborhoods and uncompromising institutions, whether that’s a legendary hot dog stand or a hidden Japanese sake bar. Many of these specific spots have since closed, making this episode a poignant time capsule of a rapidly changing city. If you want to eat like a true New Yorker, skip the tourist traps and seek out the neighborhood joints that serve up genuine character.
